My Local Life… Aline Lemos, Yoga with Aline
Aline has been teaching yoga classes in Royston since 2018, and has been a committed yoga student since 2009. She teaches various styles of yoga, specialising in restorative yoga, yin yoga and in guided meditation/ relaxation (yoga nidra). Aline is a proud mum, and an active member of her local community where she offers weekly classes, workshops and (pre-pandemic), women’s circles.
She is passionate about sharing the health benefits of yoga to everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability or age. Her classes offer a mindful, friendly, nurturing and safe space for exploration through the poses, breathing practices and meditation. Aline’s teaching comes from a blend of her experience of more traditional yoga approaches but is also influenced by mindfulness practices. Aline is a also qualified primary school teacher, who is still deeply involved in education, working part-time at a local primary school as a learning support assistant. In 2018 she decided to broaden her love for education and merge it with her passion of yoga.
Where do you call home?
I have lived in Royston for almost 5 years, relocating with my family from London. I was born in Brazil, and England has been home for almost 20 years.
What’s your favourite local place to eat?
Hard to choose! I think it’d have to be between Banyers House and Hot Numbers in Shepreth. Both offer great, varied choices. I’m a fan of Kooky Nohmad too, always stop by when I can (they do great coffee!)
What is the last book you read?
Active Hope, by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone. It’s a very encouraging and honest book about the role we play in looking after our planet, with all the environmental challenges we face, even though this can be difficult to talk about (or even think about).
What do you love about your work?
It’s always fantastic when students share with me the benefits they witness in their lives as a result of practising yoga. Sometimes people come to a yoga class to help deal with back pain or anxiety, and after some time, they notice a positive change within their bodies and minds.
I really enjoy guiding people to become more attuned with themselves, with all aspects of who they are: the physical, emotional, energetic and sometimes, spiritual.
What is the most challenging aspect of your position?
It’s very common for people to come to yoga thinking ‘I’m not flexible!’ and this can become a barrier for their practice and development. I always encourage students to keep an open mind and explore all the aspects of the practice, which include breath work, meditation and learning to relax deeply. The more they learn to be with themselves, just as they are- that’s a springboard for change.
What is your most valued possession?
I can’t think of anything specifically! Material things can be very helpful but they rarely bring us true, lasting happiness. I’m grateful to lead the life I live, with my precious family (and pets!) in this friendly town, where we are building a yoga community. I guess I can say that I value immensely all the opportunities I have had so far to study and to travel, which have led me to where I am today.
What is your favourite way to spend a Saturday?
As a family we always go for walks during the weekends, once I finish teaching my morning class. We are very lucky to have such beautiful nature around us in Royston and we love exploring the local area and when possible, go a bit further.
What is your favourite local building?
Although not necessarily a building… my favourite spot is Wimpole. The house, the grounds, the folly. It’s a place I am always up for visiting; nature is always so welcoming and beautiful to watch there. In Royston itself, it’s really interesting to have so much history behind some buildings. I think the Grade II listed building ‘Banyers Lodge’ is really beautiful.
What inspirational quote sums you up?
‘Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.’ By the poet Rumi
